He stood out in a room among 15 other kids. Not just because his skin was a surprising blueish hue. He stood out because he was who he was.
Yes, we noticed his coloring, but what we noticed more was an easygoing, fun-loving, smart kid who meekly stands to the side but somehow still has a commanding presence. From wrestling on the floor to reading books or working on an art project, he was always happily engaged in whatever it was he was doing. He offered us laughs and smiles readily and seemed equally content to play by himself or within the pack. As one of the oldest boys in the room, he’s clearly become and accepted as a leader. Some may say that he got the job because he’s a bit precocious.
How though? How could all these things be true of a boy whose oxygen levels are dangerously low? a boy whose heart isn’t connected exactly right? a boy who would have had life-saving surgery at only a few days of life if he had been born into different circumstances? It can only be explained in one word—miracle.
He is a miracle, a miracle who has already overcome so much. But, he has some big obstacles still to overcome—getting life-saving surgery and getting a heart-saving family.
His heart may have a “defect,” but it beats ferociously strong. And that strong heart, no doubt, has a lot to offer a mom and a dad, parents who don’t even know it yet but are about to experience a miracle first hand.
Interested in learning more about this little guy whose advocacy name is “Zachary”? He’s currently available for adoption through AWAA. Contact info@sparrowfund.orgto learn more about where he is and our experience with him, and contact our friends at AWAA to hear more.
UPDATE: A family said yes and is working to bring him home!
Olivia Linthavong, MD, MS is a Neonatologist based in North Carolina who has been a friend and resource to The Sparrow Fund for some time. She is a mom to three littles, one of whom joined their family via adoption. She served with The Sparrow Fund on a short-term orphanage trip where she met “Zachary” and has a heart and passion to help each child find their forever home.